Korean words in the Oxford English DictionaryLanguage
Oppa (오빠) — an older brother, and more
Oppa is what a woman calls her older brother, and also an older male friend or boyfriend. The OED has a second sense for a popular actor or singer.
OED update: September 2021Korean: 오빠 (oppa)Said by womenUpdated Oct 20, 2026
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What it means
Oppa (오빠) is used by a woman or girl for her older brother, an older male friend or her boyfriend. Men use 형 (hyeong) in the same situations.
In the OED
The OED added “oppa” in September 2021. According to press coverage, the first entry follows the Korean dictionary meaning (an older brother, or an affectionate address from a younger woman to an older man) and a second entry adds “an attractive South Korean man, especially a famous or popular actor or singer”.
How it's used in Korea
In Korea it is a close, friendly address, so use it only if you have that relationship. With people you don't know well, a name plus 씨 (ssi) is safer.
Example
“오빠, 같이 가요!” (Oppa, let's go together!)